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Medical-marijuana clinics have been banned in Santa Ana since 2007, but some 70 are open.

SANTA ANA – Voters could decide whether medical-marijuana dispensaries can operate in the city in a November 2014 ballot initiative, pending a California Supreme Court decision expected in late spring or early summer.

The City Council voted 5-0, with council members Vincent Sarmiento and Sal Tinajero absent, at its Monday meeting to approve placing an initiative on the November 2014 ballot to allow medical-marijuana dispensaries to operate in Santa Ana.

The proposed Medical Cannabis Restriction and Limitation Initiative seeks to remove Santa Ana's ban on medical-marijuana dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives in place of a registration process, zoning restrictions and a business tax requirement.

However, supporters and opponents must first wait for the California Supreme Court decision on the City of Riverside v. Inland Empire Patient's Health and Wellness Center Inc., which would affect a city's ability to implement bans on medical-marijuana clinics.

Once the state Supreme Court makes its decision, the council will hold a study session to discuss other alternatives, such as crafting a competing initiative.

Mayor Miguel Pulido proposed that the council monitor the results of the case, while Councilman David Benavides asked city staff if the council could come back to the issue at a later time to explore alternatives such as a competing initiative.

Councilwoman Michele Martinez recommended the council hold a study session on the issue.

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